It’s the true story of her 1,100-mile journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and much of the movie was filmed in Oregon.

Witherspoon said shooting the film was exhausting, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“It was very tiring,” Witherspoon said. “I mean, the physical aspect of it went on for about five weeks, and we were all over Ashland and Bend and Portland and Multnomah Falls, climbing mountains and Mount Hood, but it was really rewarding.”

Strayed said hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was an adventure that healed her soul but left her body, especially her feet, battered.

Now, walking red carpets in high heels, Strayed said her feet hurt for different reasons.

“Reese and I laugh about this,” Strayed said. “I made her star in a movie that’s about her feet hurting and then in promoting this film, my feet are hurting in the shoes that I have to wear because of it… it’s payback.”

Witherspoon’s co-star, Laura Dern, said that Oregon, and Portland in particular, made a big impression.

“Everyone is so kind and lovely and generous, and it’s just… I love this town,” Dern said.

Asked about Portland’s “weird” reputation, Dern had nothing but good things to say about the city’s quirks.

“Some of my favorite filmmakers live here,” Dern said. “You have incredible artists, the best vintage clothing, it’s home of raw art in a lot of beautiful ways, so if that’s weird, then it’s my kind of party.”